Raising the roof at Askern

The first roof tiles have been laid on a development in the Victorian Spa town of Askern at a “topping off” ceremony.

The first roof tiles have been laid on a development in the Victorian Spa town of Askern at a “topping off” ceremony.

Councillors, council officers and management from Together Housing Group joined site managers at the new development, which will see eight houses built for shared ownership and 40 for affordable rent. The development, which overlooks Askern Lake, is being carried out by Strategic Team Group on behalf of Synergy Housing, part of the Together Housing Group, in partnership with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council. Funding has been provided by the Homes and Communities Agency and additional services by Nicol Thomas.

Askern, a Victorian spa town that was later transformed into a pit village, is part of Doncaster Metropolitan Borough and is benefiting from development and employment opportunities following the closure of the coal pit in the 1990s.

Hilary Brady, Head of Development for Together Housing Group, told the event that the development would not only provide affordable homes, but also a boost to the area: “There are a number of housing developments in this area and they will mean that people not only have homes they can afford, but also that the local economy can grow. I’m delighted Together Housing Group could be a part of it.”

Andy Watson, Managing Director of Strategic Team Group added: “We were delighted to bring this opportunity to Together Housing Group through our Land Inclusive Development service. It demonstrates even the most challenging of sites can deliver great affordable housing with the right team working together in true collaboration.”